Inclusive Leadership - The Immigrant View

Our nation's workforce is fast-changing, and every leader needs to be aware. Over the past 5 years, Canada has welcomed over 1.5 million immigrants mostly under the economic category. Roughly 75% of population growth comes from immigration and by 2036, immigrants will represent up to 30% of Canada's population, compared with 20.7% in 2011. To remain competitive and achieve industry leadership, leaders must learn to not only welcome educated & experienced immigrants into their workforce but also acquire the necessary skills to deliver results through their culturally diverse teams. What are these 6 key skills that must be learnt? In the book, Ayo walks listeners through the skills needed and practical tips to develop these skills throughout an organization's leadership levels.

Our nation's workforce is fast-changing and every leader must adapt. Over the past 5 years, Canada has welcomed over 1.5 million immigrants. 6 out of 10 are economic migrants with years of professional experience, education, and exposure. With immigration targets increasing to 500,000 newcomers per year (by 2025), immigrants will make up 30% of Canada's population by 2036. While these economic migrants are considered the best of the best from their countries, many still have a hard time finding jobs that fully utilize the skills and talents that they bring. Even after finding great opportunities, data tells us that 41% of immigrants reported a high level of stress at the office while many are considered underemployed or unemployed. To remain competitive and achieve industry leadership, companies must learn to not only welcome educated and experienced immigrants in their work-force, but also equip their leaders with the necessary skills to deliver results through their culturally diverse teams. This book is the definitive guide to creating an inclusive culture where every person, immigrant and non- immigrant, can bring their best self to work to drive business results. What you will learn from the book: 1. Economic migrants and the value they bring to your workforce 2. Key challenges immigrants face when they arrive in Canada and the effect on work performance 3. Six powerful qualities of an inclusive leader 4. The role of cultural intelligence in building an inclusive workplace 5. Practical steps to build trust and unify a diverse team

Ayo Owodunni is a city councillor and management consultant who brings over 10 years of experience in coaching, training and strategic direction to enterprise level clients looking to achieve big-picture goals while also focusing on diversity and inclusion. His approach combines expertise, personal stories and humor-all intended to break barriers and facilitate communication. Ayo has had a chance to work with renowned companies across Canada and the United States. Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, Ayo has shared his immigrant experience and helpful advice through radio segments on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and CityNews Kitchener. His CBC show was syndicated on 6 different stations across Canada. Ayo teaches Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation at Conestoga College in Kitchener. He is the co-author of the book Values, Culture, Period - Redefining the Value of Values to Drive Business Results. Ayo holds an MBA in Entrepreneurship (University of Waterloo) and a Diploma in Adult Education (George Brown College) and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (George Brown College). He serves on several organization boards, including immigrantnetworks.com, KW Multicultural Center, Leadership Waterloo Region, Expedier.co, and Emergency Response Africa.